Author: The Caton Team - Realtors

Sabrina & Susan are native Californians - born and raised in the Silicon Valley with a passion for Residential Real Estate. A mother and daughter-in-law duo called - The Caton Team. With over 35 years of combined, local Real Estate experience and knowledge – would’t you like The Caton Team to represent you? Let us know how we can be of service. Contact us any time. Call | Text at: 650-799-4333 | Email Info@TheCatonTeam.com The Caton Team believes, in order to be successful in the San Fransisco | Peninsula | Bay Area | Silicon Valley Real Estate Market we have to think and act differently. We do this by positioning our clients in the strongest light, representing them with the utmost integrity, while strategically maneuvering through negotiations and contracts. Together we make dreams come true. The Peninsula is our backyard - let us help make it yours. We represent Buyer’s and Seller’s throughout the Bay Area. The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina A Family of Realtors Effective. Efficient. Responsive. What can we do for you?

Protect Your Home with Clean and Efficient Gutters

Gutter and Downspout Maintenance

Clean, efficient gutters and downspouts are essential to keeping water channeled away from your roof, walls, foundation and landscape. Experts generally recommend cleaning your gutters twice a year in the spring and fall. If you have a lot of trees (especially pines) near your home you may need to clean gutters more often.

Letting leaves and debris pile up can damage your roof as well as your fascia and gutters. The excess weight of debris and standing water can cause them to sag and pull away.

It is also important to check that the gutters are sloped toward the downspout and the downspouts drain away from the foundation. You may need to add an extension or a splash block for added protection to divert the runoff. If you shop around for splash blocks, you will find many choices such as sculptured/decorative stone, aluminum, concrete, and plastic.

If you are able to clean the gutters safely yourself, a ladder on firm, secure ground is best. It can be dangerous attempting maintenance from on top of the roof. If your home is on a hillside or too tall to access with a ladder, consult a professional.

To get started, clean leaves and debris from the downspout end first, and work away to the other end. Check with your local home improvement store for hose attachments made specifically for gutter cleaning. If your downspout is clogged, check the downspout strainer(s) and be sure it is clear. Check your gutter for leaks by running a hose with water. If your gutter has leaks, first be sure the seam/connection is tight and seal the joints with gutter sealant. Use the proper product for your gutter material, whether aluminum, fiberglass or other. Once cleaned and repaired, you may want to use one of the many products available to help keep them free of debris. One option is to install gutter covers. There are many types, including screens, grates and foam. Look online to research products and installation instructions.

Noisy Downspouts

There’s nothing quite like the loud pinging sound of a noisy downspout in the middle of the night. Generally this sound comes from the elbow, or bend, in the downspout. When the dripping water hits a hard surface it can amplify it to an annoying level.

There are a few do-it-yourself fixes you can try (no guarantees!).

Attach a piece of 1/4” or 3/8” poly rope inside the downspout. The rope can channel the water and eliminate the excessive sound.
Attach a scrubbing sponge (or look for gutter sponges online) to the inside of the downspout where the water hits the elbow. This should soften or eliminate the sound.
Try a decorative downspout such as a “rain chain.” Shop around for a style that complements the design of your home.

I read this article HERE

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We love what we do and would love to help you navigate your sale or purchase of Residential Real Estate. Please reach out for a personal consultation. Please enjoy our free resources below and get to know our team from our TESTIMONIALS.

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We strive to be more than just Realtors – we are also your home resource. If you have any real estate questions, concerns, need a referral, or some guidance – we are here for you. Contact us at your convenience – we are but a call, text or click away!

The Caton Team believes, in order to be successful in the San Fransisco | Peninsula | Bay Area | Silicon Valley Real Estate Market we have to think and act differently. We do this by positioning our clients in the strongest light, representing them with the utmost integrity, while strategically maneuvering through negotiations and contracts. Together we make dreams come true.

A mother and daughter-in-law team with over 35 years of combined, local Real Estate experience and knowledge – wouldn’t you like The Caton Team to represent you? Let us know how we can be of service. Contact us any time.

The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina
A Family of Realtors
Effective. Efficient. Responsive.
What can we do for you?

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

DRE # |Sabrina 01413526 | Susan 01238225 | Team 70000218 |Office 01499008

The Caton Team does not receive compensation for any posts. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Third-party information not verified.

Fall To-Do Checklist

The scent of fall is in the air. Time to bake an apple pie, crunch some leaves on a long walk, and carve the family pumpkin. It’s also time for some fall home maintenance. Use our fall checklist as a reminder to do important seasonal tasks like cleaning the gutters, replacing air filters, and getting the fireplace ready for the coming winter.

I read this article HERE

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The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina
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Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

DRE # |Sabrina 01413526 | Susan 01238225 | Team 70000218 |Office 01499008

The Caton Team does not receive compensation for any posts. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Third-party information not verified.

4 Trending Kitchen Backsplash Ideas – Shared Article

Kitchen renovations may be the question we get most when updating a home. So I thought I’d shrea this article by Melissa Dittmann Tracey from Realtor.com

Accent the kitchen counters by dressing up what you put behind them. The backsplash is an important accent when you want to spruce up the kitchen. The home remodeling site Fixr recently surveyed designers and highlighted some of the most popular backsplash trends.(link is external)

Subway Tiles

Subway tile backsplash — Photo credit: YinYang / Getty Images

A classic style remains popular. Subway tiles can be stacked horizontally or installed in herringbone patterns. They come in a variety of colors and materials. More homeowners are opting for more colorful subway tiles to add visual intrigue to an all-white kitchen.

The Statement Backsplash

Overall, the latest home design trends are all about taking more chances with color. Backsplashes are being done in bolder colors, mixed materials (like metal and glass) and geometric patterns. “With a statement backsplash, the rest of the kitchen design takes a bit of a backseat, so clean lines and soft colors are needed to let the backsplash shine,” Fixr notes.

The Slab Extension

Slab extension backsplash — Photo credit: Drew Hadley / Getty Images

Countertops are being elevated, too. A popular trend for backsplashes is to extend the slab of the countertop for continuity and a high-end look. Granite, marble, quartz and quartzite all can be extended as a backsplash. The look is clean and gets rid of grout lines. But as Fixr notes, this trend can be costly; expect to pay double the cost for extending that countertop up the walls.

Art Deco

Go retro in the kitchen by pairing bold colors and geometric designs for the backsplash. “Art Deco tiles are precise, bold and very eye-catching,” says Sarabeth Asaff South, an interior design expert with Fixr.com. “For those looking for a focal point in your kitchen design, having a dedicated area filled with these geometric designs will be sure to do the trick.”

My two cents – be mindful. Are you doing this for your enjoyment or for a sale? If you’re doing it for you – do what you love, enjoy it, make it your own. If you’re doing it for the sale – consider the cost, material and trends. Will this improve the home’s value? Or will it be something that doesn’t add value.

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The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina
A Family of Realtors
Effective. Efficient. Responsive.
What can we do for you?

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

DRE # |Sabrina 01413526 | Susan 01238225 | Team 70000218 |Office 01499008

The Caton Team does not receive compensation for any posts. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Third-party information not verified.

Why Your House Didn’t Sell – Shared Article

This has got to be the spookiest post I’ve done thus far – lol. But it is true – some homes don’t sell as fast as others and here are a few reasons why… Shared article from Keepying Current Matters

Did You Limit Access to Your House?

If your listing expired and your house didn’t sell, you’re likely feeling a little frustrated. Not to mention, you’re also probably wondering what went wrong. Here are three questions to think about as you figure out what to do next.

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when selling your house is restricting the days and times when potential buyers can tour it. Being flexible with your schedule is important when you’re selling your house, even though it might feel a bit stressful to drop everything and leave when buyers want to see it. After all, minimal access means minimal exposure to buyers. ShowingTime advises:

“. . . do your best to be as flexible as possible when granting access to your house for showings.”

Sometimes, the most determined buyers might come from far away. Since they’re traveling to see your house, they may not be able to change their plans easily if you only offer limited times for showings. So, try to make your house available as much as you can to accommodate them. It’s simple. If no one’s able to look at it, how’s it going to sell?

Did You Make Your House Stand Out?

When selling your house, the old saying matters: you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Putting in the work to make the exterior of your home look nice is just as important as how you stage it inside. Freshen up your landscaping to improve your home’s curb appeal so you can make an impact upfront. As an article from U.S. News says:

“After all, if people drive by, but aren’t interested enough to walk through the front door, you’ll never sell your house.”

But don’t let that impact stop at the front door. By removing personal items and reducing clutter inside, you give buyers more freedom to picture themselves in the home. Additionally, a new coat of paint or cleaning the floors can go a long way to freshening up a room.

Did You Price Your House Compellingly?

Setting the right price is extremely important when you’re selling your house. Even though it might feel tempting to push the price higher to maximize your profit, overpricing can scare away buyers and make it hard to sell quickly. Business Insider notes:

“. . . the biggest mistake sellers make is overpricing their home.”

If your house is priced higher than others like it, it could make buyers lose interest. Pay attention to the feedback people give your agent during open houses and showings. If lots of people are saying the same thing, it might be a good idea to think about lowering the price.

For all these insights and more, rely on a trusted real estate agent. A great agent will offer expert advice on relisting your house with effective strategies to get it sold.

Bottom Line

It’s natural to feel disappointed when your listing has expired and your house didn’t sell. Talk to a trusted real estate agent to figure out what happened and what to reconsider or change if you want to get your house back on the market.

My 2 cents – it does come down to access – presentation and price. The easiest to adjust is price – so price it right, have it free to be seen and we DON’T mean open houses – we mean private showings and make sure it shines – your photos are your best asset to sell – so make sure the home looks great online and in person…

Got Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

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The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina
A Family of Realtors
Effective. Efficient. Responsive.
What can we do for you?

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

DRE # |Sabrina 01413526 | Susan 01238225 | Team 70000218 |Office 01499008

The Caton Team does not receive compensation for any posts. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Third-party information not verified.

For Sale in San Mateo | 2 Bed | 2.5 Bath Condo With Inside Laundry!

For Sale by The Caton Team – 5 West Bellevue Ave #6, San Mateo CA 94402

Welcome Home to San Mateo

This 2 level condo in a secure building is ready to be your Oasis. New Carpet. Plantation Shutters. Artistic Lighting.
Close to downtown San Mateo & Burlingame
Enter into the living area where you’ll spot the joyful blue cabinets and gorgeous quartz countertops of the kitchen. With a dishwasher, newer stove and a full-size refrigerator, the kitchen opens out into the dining area. Perfect for entertaining.
The Living Room Features a fireplace, deck and space ready to relax – with a guest bath and hall closet – this rounds out the first level.
Upstairs features a primary suite, with ample closets and gorgeous remodeled stall shower with sleek black tile..
The Second bedroom has a hall bath with updated shower over tub, riverbed tile flooring, fun lighting and beautiful sink.
FULL SIZE Laundry area upstairs. All appliances come with the home. Also included with the home: Blue sofa, red mirror, red TV stand, all living area built-in shelving along with the dining set. Bedroom set and night stands also available.
Full Disclosure / Inspection Package Available By Request
MLS ML81944184 | Information Deemed Reliable but Not Guaranteed

Price, Info & Photos | 3D Tour

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HOW TO SELL – – HOW TO BUY – MOVING MID PANDEMIC – TRUST AGREEMENTS and HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVES – OUR TESTIMONIALS

Got Real Estate Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

We strive to be more than just Realtors – we are also your home resource. If you have any real estate questions, concerns, need a referral or some guidance – we are here for you. Contact us at your convenience – we are but a call, text or click away!

A mother and daughter-in-law team with over 40 years of combined, local Real Estate experience and knowledge – would’t you like The Caton Team to represent you? Let us know how we can be of service. Contact us any time.

The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina
A Family of Realtors
Effective. Efficient. Responsive.
What can we do for you?

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Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

DRE # |Sabrina 01413526 | Susan 01238225 | Team 70000218 |Office 01499008

The Caton Team does not receive compensation for any posts. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Third party information not verified.

Beware of ‘Title Pirates’ Wreaking Havoc on Closings – Shared Article

I have had a few clients call me worried about this issue – so I thought I’d share this article by Melissa Dittmann Tracey from Realtor.com. Source

As more real estate transactions face title fraud, learn what to look for and how to keep your clients safe.

Skull and crossbones made from yellow cubes

Fraudulent real estate sales are on the rise. The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center warns that losses from real estate and rental scams are steadily increasing, reaching more than $396 million last year.

Victor Petrescu, an attorney with Levine Kellogg Lehman Schneider + Grossman LLP in Miami who represents victims of real estate scams, says he’s noticing an uptick in one particular type of scheme: title fraud. “Pirates,” as he calls them, are recording fake liens or deeds that are jeopardizing a growing number of closings and putting more homeowners at risk.

Petrescu caught up with REALTOR® Magazine to share the dangers of these scams and what to watch for.

What is a “title pirate”?

A: It’s a term that refers to a person or entity who commits title fraud by attempting to create the appearance that the person or entity has legal title to a piece of real property when they do not. This usually takes the form of the title pirate recording a fraudulent or forged deed or other similar document purporting to convey title to a property.

To accomplish this, a title pirate will usually use falsified documents, such as a forged driver’s license or Social Security card, to hold themselves out as the owner of a parcel of property. If the property is owned by a limited liability company or corporation, the title pirate may use a forged signature or falsified documents to hold themselves out as a party authorized to execute documents on the company’s behalf to effectuate the transfer of title.

Title pirates can then profit by, among other things, securing a loan on the property, renting the property out, temporarily living in the property or attempting to sell the property to a potential buyer.

How common is this scam?

Title piracy has become increasingly more common since 2020, especially with the rise of remote and mail-away closings and remote notarization in our post-COVID society. It has been an especially big issue in South Florida in recent years.

Who do title pirates tend to target?

Title fraud can take many forms. Vacant parcels of land are a favorite target among title pirates because they are not occupied, and they are not usually closely monitored by their actual title owner, who may even be located out of state. In the case of vacant properties, once a title pirate records documents purporting to grant them an interest in the title, their next step is usually to attempt to borrow money against the property from third-party lenders. This is usually based on the title pirate’s representations that the money will be used as a construction loan to finance construction on the property. Then, subsequently, they’ll abscond with the funds after the loan’s closing without paying the lender back afterward, leaving the lender to attempt to foreclose their loan against a property the borrower does not actually have legal title to.

Properties with recently deceased owners and investment properties owned by holding companies are another potential target. As an example, in May of 2018, the Broward County Sheriff’s Office in Florida arrested a group of people who, using forged quit claim deeds and powers of attorney, purported to take the title of 44 homes in Broward County that the group did not actually own. Eighteen of those were owned by the estates of deceased owners. The group would rent the homes, attempt to sell them or even live in them.

What can real estate professionals do to protect their clients from this scam?

Paying attention to detail is the most important role a real estate professional can play to help protect their clients from title fraud. A real estate professional closing a transaction should pay careful attention to the documentation provided by the parties to substantiate their identity and/or the parties’ authority to execute documents on behalf of a company or corporation in furtherance of the real estate closing. The real estate professional should immediately look into any discrepancies or irregularities in the documentation provided and should always err on the side of caution. They should ask for multiple forms of contact information from the parties to the transaction and verify that this contact information is, in fact, valid.

Insisting on an in-person closing rather than a remote or mail-away closing is another way to decrease the risk of title piracy. However, that is not always possible. Insisting on the use of an in-person notary whom the real estate professional knows and trusts also is important.

What should you do if you become a victim of a title pirate scam?

You should immediately contact a lawyer to discuss the most efficient and expedient way for you to clear your chain of title. If you have title insurance, you should also initiate a claim with your title insurance carrier. You should also contact your county clerk’s recorder’s office to notify them of the fraud.

Are there other scams real estate professionals should warn their clients about?

Wire diversion scams in conjunction with real estate closings is another area of fraud in which I have noticed a recent uptick. A closing agent should always be sure to verify wire instructions, including the correct bank and account numbers, over the phone before sending out funds in conjunction with a closing.

Got Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

Effective. Efficient. Responsive. The Caton Team 🏡 How can The Caton Team help You?

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Got Real Estate Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina
A Family of Realtors
Effective. Efficient. Responsive.
What can we do for you?

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

DRE # |Sabrina 01413526 | Susan 01238225 | Team 70000218 |Office 01499008

The Caton Team does not receive compensation for any posts. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Third-party information not verified.

REAL EATS – The beat on where to eat! Next Up – Osteria at Domenico Winery, San Carlos

Hello! Thank you for reading REAL EATS, where my passion for Real Estate and food meet. On our next adventure, we visit….

Osteria at Domenico Winery, San Carlos

My friends and I have turned dinner at Osteria into a monthly tradition. Delicious food, great wine pairings, perfect starters and desserts. We’re also loving the Giggles Night. Well worth a visit.

Would you like to live near Osteria at Domenico Winery – click here.

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The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina
A Family of Realtors
Effective. Efficient. Responsive.
What can we do for you?

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

DRE # |Sabrina 01413526 | Susan 01238225 | Team 70000218 |Office 01499008

Market Update –

Hello Caton Team Friends,

Here is our monthly market update for San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties:

Dated 9.30.23

And here is a little treat for anyone who reads beyond this chart.

Silicon Valley Real Estate in 2023 has been one of the most interesting years in my career. These interest rates are something else. We’re starting to see the market soften – because it has to. For instance – It’s a $2000 dollar a month difference between a 3% rate and a 7% rate on a 1 Million Dollar property – with 20% down and a 30-year fixed interest rate. That’s a decent amount of money and it’s going to affect purchase power. So yes I expect the market to soften.

Soften like butter – not crash. The Caton Team believes now is always a good time to buy or sell Real Estate. Now you ask? Yes, because it depends on your personal situation and needs. Life happens every day, situations change in a heartbeat. What we do know is this – we can do the best we can in the market we’re in.

Interests Rates won’t be high forever, price reductions won’t happen forever. Overbidding and multiple offers are still happening – on some properties – but not on every property. The Caton Team has had great success with our buyers and sellers this Spring, Summer, and Fall seasons, among all the interest rate changes. So if buying or selling is something you’re chewing on – reach out and let’s chat. It’s either a good time for your Real Estate goals or not – and only you know what that looks like.

Let us know how we can be of service – we love what we do and we’re happy to work with you.

The Caton Team | 650.799.4333 | Info@TheCatonTeam.com

Right now, I’m seeing great opportunities in the condo/townhome market – if a buyer can swing the higher rates and HOA dues – a condo/townhome is a great way to break into the California Real Estate Market. We’re seeing a lot of price adjustments on single-family homes priced at $1.5 Million + as sellers find that happy medium or opt to rent the home out. We’re here to help you find that meeting of the minds. Reach out when you’re ready to chat.

The Caton Team | 650.799.4333 | Info@TheCatonTeam.com

Thank you for reading my Real Estate blog!

-Sabrina

Whether selling a home or buying one, each client is unique and each market and price point differ. Let us customize a Real Estate strategy for you and let The Caton Team guide you to your goals. 🗝️ It’s what we do.

How can The Caton Team Help You? Contact The Caton Team 650.799.4333 | Email Info@TheCatonTeam.com

Looking forward to watching this market while guiding our clients to their goals. Let us know how we can be of service.

Contact The Caton Team Sabrina 650.799.4333 | Email Info@TheCatonTeam.com

Whether you are selling or buying – today or tomorrow – contact The Caton Team – we’re happy to help you achieve your Real Estate goals.

Effective. Efficient. Responsive. The Caton Team 🏡

Call | Text 650.799.4333 | Email Info@TheCatonTeam.com

Each market is unique and with over 40 years of combined Real Estate experience, The Caton Team is more than happy to be of service if and when you are considering a move. Contact us anytime during your journey, together we’ll help you achieve your Real Estate goals.

Got Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

Get exclusive inside access when you follow us on Facebook & Instagram

Got Real Estate Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

We strive to be more than just Realtors – we are also your home resource. If you have any real estate questions, concerns, need a referral, or need some guidance – we are here for you. Contact us at your convenience – we are but a call, text or click away!

The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina
A Family of Realtors
Effective. Efficient. Responsive.
What can we do for you?